What are the British Arts Awards?

The British Arts Awards is a national performing arts competition. The preliminary rounds take place in late November and January. In brief:

• The British Arts Awards (BA) is a national performing arts competition. The preliminary rounds take place in late November/December and January. In brief: 

  • Solos, duets and groups can enter. Info on how to enter is sent to all parents every year in the winter term.

  • There's an entry fee for all items.

  • Sections include: ballet, lyrical, tap, song & dance, jazz/modern, acro, character, national, song, drama, commercial/street & open.

  • Any student can enter BA with a polished, high-standard dance, song or drama item.

  • We love having as many students as possible entering the awards and often include class dances. We have so far had items enter from Musical Theatre, Company Ballet, Street, Comp class A&B, Summer School items and Tap classes. We also try and enter show items if possible so that students get the chance to perform and wear their costumes again.

  ·       Some BA groups are by invitation only. However, students who are interested in performing a solo, duet, or small group pieces are welcome to ask their teachers about working on routines together. Solos, duets and class competition items are not by invitation.

  ·       Students can choreograph and enter their own routines if they prefer. These can be carried over from our Choreography competition.

  ·       We recommend entering our Choreography competition first before entering BA. This will give students an idea of how much rehearsal time and work goes into BA, as well as costs and performance experience.

  • Teachers have limited availability but help as many students as they can.

  • Preliminary sessions and semi-finals are held locally. Finals are held in London.

  • Competitors gaining an Honours mark in the prelims will go through to the semi-finals.

  • At the semi-finals the items gaining 85 marks or more are awarded a Merit certificate and go on the list for finals.

  • After all the regional semi-finals have taken place, only the highest 3, sometimes 4 marks for solos and duets and highest marks for groups, nationally in each age group and section, go to the London finals. It sounds complicated, but you get used to it!

Miss Hollie’s Top Tips for your British Arts Awards Entries

• Consider seeking advice from the experts (i.e. your teachers!) before entering your own choreography.

• British Arts is a commitment and involves rehearsing from September to May.

• Be prepared for a financial commitment as well as a time commitment. We compete at a high standard and multiple rehearsals are required, which involves payment for teaching and hall fees. Costumes, props, and other costs will be necessary.

• Music needs to be sourced and cut to the time limits and appropriate for the age group. Ballet music must be instrumental only (no lyrics). If you are working with a teacher, they will choose the music and cut it for you.

• Keep items within the time limits, but we recommend sticking around the 2-minute mark so items can be entered into festivals as well.

• Solo songs should preferably have a piano accompaniment and limited belting.

• A song & dance should have both parts equal in length and standard.

• Students performing a song or drama item should perform right at the front of the stage. You will lose projection if you stand further back.

• Full facial presentation must be used in all items.

• Music must be of high quality with good editing. Marks will be lost if not.

• Items should be completed with a bow/curtsy.

• Items finishing off stage should not come back on for a bow.

• Diction in all songs & dramas must be crystal clear and loud!

• A warm-up is essential for all items, including songs.

Age & Time Limits

Time limits stated are the maximum time allowed. Items don't necessarily have to be the maximum length.

Solo Sections

Baby                                6 yrs & under                     2 mins
Junior                              7-9 yrs                                 2 mins
Intermediate                 10-12 yrs                             2.5  mins
Senior                             13-15 yrs                             2.5  mins
Advanced                       Over 15 & under 25          2.5 mins apart from song, song & dance, and drama – 3 minutes

Duet Sections               

The age and standard (novice or medal - the entry form has full details about this) of the eldest performer determines the section in which the entry should be made.  When both performers are in the same age group, the highest standard should be taken.

Baby                                6 yrs & under                     2.5 mins
Junior                              7-9 yrs                                 2.5 mins
Intermediate                 10-12 yrs                             3 mins
Senior                             13-15 yrs                             3 mins
Advanced                       Over 15 under 25              3 mins

Group Sections

Large Group                                                                4.5 mins
Small Group                                                                3.5 mins
Junior & Senior Scena Groups                                 Junior 5 mins, average age under 14. Senior 5.5 mins, average age over 14. Scenas may be dance, song, drama, mime, music or a combination of any of these. It must have a story or a strong theme.